Adaptable device for delimiting and organizing spaces and volumes

ABSTRACT

An evolutionary and reusable device for delimiting and organising spaces and volumes, adaptable to the dimensions of an existing architectural space, is capable of being modified without accessories, easily and rapidly decorated by the user by means of decorative objects and expandable connected space elements of fixed and variable dimensions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The device according to the invention is designed, nonexclusively, toconstruct fair and exhibition stalls or to construct partial or completestudy models representing organized or unorganized architectural spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Usually, fair and exhibition stalls, architectural or interiordecoration models are of fixed dimensions and apply to a single project.Thus, the large variety of shapes and dimensions of the rooms or theareas to be organized rarely permits reusing the elements representingthe walls, a situation which requires their fabrication at the requiredlength. This entails expenses associated with the use of raw materialsand with the time spent in the fabrication of the walls, expenses whichare not always recouped by the outcome of the project. As regards fairand exhibition stalls, the areas and the shapes of the spaces allocatedto an exhibitor vary enough to necessitate custom fabrication. Certainsystems claim to be adaptable to the actual dimensions while usingstandardized, juxtaposable elements of fixed dimensions. However, thevariety of constructions and areas necessitates having a large number ofdifferent elements, a situation which negatively affects the ease ofconstruction, stability, and rigidity.

Despite a large number of different elements, it is necessary to make anapproximation concerning the length of the walls, a situation whichnegatively affects the study of the space occupied and the evolutionaryzones or the optimum use of the area to be organized.

Moreover, the organization and decoration of these spaces is oftennonexistent or stylized, i.e., simplified or standardized, for obviouseconomic reasons, without leaving the user the possibility of adaptationto individual needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention remedies these disadvantages by proposing a devicefor delimiting and organizing spaces and volumes, which is evolutionary,reusable, adaptable to the dimensions of an existing architecturalspace, modifiable without accessories, and easily and rapidly decoratedby the user.

Throughout the following, we will adopt the convention of using the termspace element for an element which enables delimiting a spacerepresenting, by way of example and nonrestrictively, in reduced scaleor not, a wall, a low wall, a portion or all of a floor, a portion of aceiling; of using the term decorative object for an object representing,by way of example and nonrestrictively, in reduced scale or not,furniture, architectural or decorative elements, such as a door, awindow, a plumbing fixture, a technical conduit, a power outlet, aperson; of using the term coupling for a link designed to connect twospace elements temporarily or definitively. We will also adopt theconvention of using the adjective magnetic to indicate the presence offerromagnetic properties intrinsic to or added to the element describedand of using the adjective magnetized to indicate the presence ofmagnetic fields intrinsic to or added to the element described.

The present invention concerns an evolutionary, reusable device topartially or completely create a volume by means of basic forms withvariable or invariable dimensions, connected by couplings and decoratedby decorative objects. These basic forms are, by way of example andnonrestrictively, portions of planes, portions of volumes with a simpleor complex geometric shape, with said basic forms capable of beingdecorated.

This device is constituted of, depending on its final use, at least oneof the following elements, the list of which is provided by way ofexample and nonlimitingly, with neither restriction or limitation withregard to their quantities or their qualities:

-   -   a support plane, which may be magnetic, which may be foldable,        and which may be composed of space elements,    -   space elements, of any shape whatsoever, which may be magnetic,        with variable dimensions, connected to each other in a manner        which may be temporary by means of at least one coupling,    -   decorative elements scaled to the space elements, of which the        decoration may be removable, which can be positioned on the        space elements by means of a link,    -   fastening accessories which may be articulated, which may be        magnetized, such as corner braces, removable articulated        connectors.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The annexed drawings represent, by way of nonrestrictive examples, someembodiments of the device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a space element.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a top view of a closed space delimited byspace elements composed of female parts connected to each other by apermanent coupling and male parts connected to each other by a permanentcoupling.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a top view of a closed space delimited byspace elements composed of female parts connected to each other by adisassemblable coupling and male parts connected to each other by adisassemblable coupling.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a top view of a space delimited by spaceelements of which the male element is connected to the female element bya permanent coupling.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a top view of a space delimited by spaceelements of which the male part is connected to the female part by adisassemblable coupling.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a top view of a closed space with adjacentplanes delimited by space elements composed of a female part and a malepart connected by a permanent fixed coupling (9), and by individual male(12) and female (11) parts having a fixed, permanent coupling.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a top view of a closed space with adjacentplanes delimited by space elements (13) connected by disassemblablecouplings.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an intersecting group of spaceelements (14 & 16) and of an intersected group of space elements (15 &17) constituting an intersection. The coupling depicted is of adisassemblable type.

FIG. 9 is a perspective depiction of a decorative object (19) positionedby a strip (18) sliding on a schematically depicted space element (20).The horizontal arrows represent the relative movement of the slidingstrip in relationship to the space element; the vertical arrowrepresents the relative movement of the decorative object inrelationship to the sliding strip.

FIG. 10 is a perspective depiction of a magnetized decorative object(23) positioned on a schematically depicted space element (22). Thearrows represent the relative movements of the decorative object inrelationship to the space element.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative object (24) onwhich a decoration support (25) and a decorated design (26) are applied.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative object (27) onwhich a decoration support (28) is applied.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged detailed view of a peeled space element showinghow, by the affixing of a metal sheet (31), magnetic properties areadded to a space element made of a nonmagnetic material (29).

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the different portions, male (33) andfemale (32), which make up a coupling with a cyclic profile.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of use of the device to study theorganization of a kitchen. The device is depicted in perspective, viewedfrom above.

It should be pointed out that in these drawings, the dimension and theproportions are not systematically respected; this is done to facilitatecomprehension.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS Description of the Support Plane

The support plane enables maintaining the space elements in theirrelative positions. The support plane may be constituted of one or aplurality of space elements, connected by fixed or removable couplings,which are disassemblable or nondisassemblable. The support plane holdsthe space elements in place by simple contact friction, or by means of afastening accessory.

Description of a Space Element

A space element defines a flat area or a portion of volume. In general,a space element is made up of at least one part equipped with at leastone fastening portion. More precisely, a variable-dimension spaceelement is made up of at least two parts (FIG. 1), a male part (1) and afemale part (2), which slip one into the other. The female part and themale part are composed of one or a plurality of permanently assembledparts. The male part and the female part of a space element may haveferromagnetic properties, which are intrinsic or which have been addedover all or part of their surface. To facilitate the length adjustmentof a space element, the male part is graduated (3). The lengthrepresented is read directly from the intersection of the graduatedscale with the edge of the female part in contact with the male part.

To facilitate the reading of the length of a space element, a notch (4)is made in the female part, at the level of the graduated scale on themale part. At the minimum length, the male part abuts the female part,yielding the minimum dimension that the space element can delimit.

The length of the space element can be maintained by means of a blockingsystem, for instance, a locking wedge, activated or added after thelength is set.

Description of the Coupling

The coupling which enables connecting two space elements is ideallydesigned to connect at least two space element parts to each other whilestill enabling said parts to pivot relative to each other on an axisparallel to the edges of the parts in contact and permitting theintersection of space element assemblies. More precisely, the couplingcomprises at least one segment and is composed of at least one partcalled a portion. The coupling is present on at least one space elementpart. The coupling connects either the female parts (FIG. 2 Item 5 orFIG. 3 Item 8) or the male parts (FIG. 2 Item 6 or FIG. 3 Item 7) of twospace elements, or the male part of a space element to the female partof another space element (Item 9 of FIG. 4 and 6 or FIG. 5 Item 10).Each space element part has, depending on the mode of fabrication of thecoupling, at least one coupling portion on at least one of its edges(FIG. 8). The arrangement of these coupling portions enablesconstruction of adjacent spaces (FIG. 6 and 7), even when theintersection of the space elements does not form a right angle.

Throughout the following, we adopt the convention of using the termfixed coupling for a disassemblable or permanent coupling which cannotbe easily separated from a space element; of using the term removablecoupling for a disassemblable or permanent coupling which can be easilyseparated from a space element; of using the term disassemblablecoupling for a fixed or removable coupling whose component parts can beeasily separated; and of using the term permanent coupling for a fixedor removable coupling whose component parts cannot be easily separated.

In general, a fixed or removable coupling which connects two spaceelements can be permanent or disassemblable.

1. Description of a Permanent Coupling

When the fixing of the coupling is permanent, the device comprises spaceelement parts connected to each other by a coupling as well asindependent space element parts with at least one coupling (FIG. 6 Item11 and 12). This coupling occupies approximately one-half the height ofthe space element in order to permit the intersection of space elements,a situation which allows construction of adjacent spaces (FIG. 6).

2. Description of a Disassemblable Coupling

The solution with a disassemblable coupling is best. In fact, if thecoupling is disassemblable, a single type of space element having atleast one portion of a coupling on at least one of its ends suffices.The use of a disassemblable link also enables facilitating theorganization and visualization of spaces with small dimensions. Thus,once one link is disassembled, it is possible to pivot the spaceelements which remain connected to spread them apart, a situation whichincreases accessibility for placement of the decorative objects.

The segments of a disassemblable coupling of an intersected group ofspace elements (FIG. 8 Item 15 & 17) are located high and low on theadjacent edges of the space elements. The coupling of an intersectinggroup of space elements (FIG. 8 Item 14 & 16) is located at the centerof the adjacent edges of the space elements. The distance between thehigh and low segments of a coupling of an intersected group of spaceelements is such that it enables the passage of the central coupling ofan intersecting group of space elements. Ideally designed, the couplingof the intersected group of space elements and the coupling of theintersecting group of space elements integrates the space elements whilestill leaving them free to pivot relative to each other.

The Decorative Objects

The decorative objects include, nonrestrictively, persons, furnitureplaced on the floor or hanging on the wall, windows and doors ofdifferent formats, stairs, cooktops, work surfaces, and any object thatmay be part of the decoration of a space or which enables providing morerealism for a model or a fair or exhibition stall, as well as accessesto technical conduits, power outlets, gas and water connections.

A decorative object is positioned on a space element (FIG. 9 Item 20) bymeans of a link which may be either sliding (FIG. 9 Item 18) relative tothe decorative object (FIG. 9 Item 19) or magnetized. A magnetizeddecorative object (FIG. 10 item 23) has at least one magnetized system(FIG. 10 Item 21) generating a magnetic force adequately weak relativeto human muscle power or whose magnetism can be deactivated by the user.When a magnetized decorative object is placed in contact with a magneticspace element (FIG. 10 Item 22), the magnetic force generated isadequate to maintain the relative position of the decorative object inrelationship to the space element.

A decorative object can be produced starting from any materialwhatsoever or a combination of materials, for example, plastic, metal,mineral, or cellulose, which can be molded, folded, assembled, or shapedby any other process.

Removable Decoration Supports

1. The Case of Front Faces

In order to leave the user the possibility of adapting the decorativeobjects to his or her needs, certain decorative objects may receive afixed or removable decoration support made of a transparent material,which can be decorated. In the illustration (FIG. 11) presented by wayof example, the decoration support (25) slips onto the front face of thedecorative object (24). Thus, the user may insert a decorated design(26) on an element, a situation which makes it possible to avoid theneed to have a plurality of decorative objects for differentdecorations.

2. The Case of Decorated Jackets

The decorative objects may also be completely or partially covered by adecoration support. The decoration may be, by way of example andnonrestrictively, applied by printing before or after being formed intoa jacket. This jacket, adapted to the shape of the decorative object forwhich it is intended, is applied thereon so as to completely orpartially cover it. In the illustration (FIG. 12) presented by way ofexample, the decoration support (28) slips over the decorative object(27). Thus, the user may insert a decorated design between thedecorative object and the decorative jacket, or change jackets if thejacket itself is decorated, a situation which makes it possible to avoidthe need to have a plurality of decorative objects for differentdecorations.

Description of the Mounting Accessories

Different mounting accessories are used such as, by way of example andnonrestrictively, fixed or articulated squares, which may be magnetized,to hold the space elements in their relative position.

Use and Usefulness of the Invention

The invention is applicable to numerous sectors of activity; by way ofexample and nonrestrictively, it is possible to mention the constructionof fair and exhibition stalls and the construction of models forinterior organization projects. The elements of the model may exactlyrepresent the elements used for the construction of a stall, put toscale.

Exemplary Embodiment

The exemplary embodiment described concerns the use of the device, byway of example and nonrestrictively, to create models of interior designprojects by means of magnetic space elements connected by a fixed,disassemblable coupling and organized by means of magnetized decorativeobjects.

A different use of the device such as the creation of stalls intendedfor fairs and exhibitions would result in a different embodimentcomplying with the characteristics of the invention. The embodiment isdescribed hereinafter as a nonrestrictive example with reference to theannexed drawings.

1. Fabrication of a Space Element

The space elements permit, by way of example and nonrestrictively,representation on a reduced scale of walls with the followingdimensions:

-   -   Wall with a length between 1 m and 1.45 m.    -   Wall with a length between 1.45 m and 2.45 m.    -   Wall with a length between 2.45 m and 4.4 m.    -   Wall with a length between 3 m and 5.7 m.

These walls with, by way of example and nonrestrictively, a height of2.70 m enable representation of a large variety of shapes and dimensionsof rooms.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a space element is composed of two parts, themale part and the female part.

The male part is fabricated, by way of example and nonrestrictively,starting with a rectangle with low thickness, made of 2-mm cardboard orpasteboard. This rectangle is defined by a height and a length.

The female part is fabricated by assembly of three elements: the base,the body, and the face.

-   -   The base is fabricated, by way of example and nonrestrictively,        starting with a rectangle made of cardboard or pasteboard of the        same thickness as the male part but with a low length, by way of        example and nonrestrictively, a length of 1 cm.    -   The body is fabricated, by way of example and nonrestrictively,        starting from an evolute in a rectangular shape with low        thickness, by way of example and nonrestrictively, 0.5 mm. The        height of this rectangle is equal, by way of example and        nonrestrictively, to the perimeter of the base section. This        rectangle is folded and assembled, by way of example and        nonrestrictively, by gluing around the height of the base.    -   The face is fabricated starting with a sheet with the final        dimensions of the female part, with low thickness and glued to        the edge of the junction of the edges of the body.

The dimensions of the internal opening with a rectangular cross-sectionobtained are such that the male part slips with friction into the femalepart.

2. Addition of Magnetic Properties to a Space Element

Magnetic properties are added to space elements made of nonmagneticmaterials such as cellulosic materials (paper, cardboard, pasteboard,wood . . . ) or plastic or composite materials by means of the followingstructure:

A thin sheet (31) having ferromagnetic properties is fixed between thebody of the space element (29) and a nonmagnetic sheet (30). The unit isassembled, by way of example and nonrestrictively, by applying apermanent adhesive on the two faces of the thin sheet havingferromagnetic properties. The operation is repeated for each face thatit is necessary to render magnetic. The thin sheet having ferromagneticproperties may be solid or perforated (of a grid, expanded metal, orother type). The nonmagnetic sheet (30) may be replaced by a coat ofvarnish, paint, plastic material, or any other material capable of beingapplied to a surface.

The choice of the thickness of the nonmagnetic sheet permits adjustmentof the force required to hold the magnetized decorative object when itis applied to the space element.

3. Fabrication of a Disassemblable Coupling by Means of a Cyclic Profile

A disassemblable coupling segment (FIG. 14) is made up of three parts:the male profile (33), the female profile (32), and a pin (34). Aprofile is produced starting from a strip perforated along its axis byholes spaced at a constant interval, folded on its longitudinal axiswith a radius equal to at least half the thickness of the space elementpart for which it is intended. Once folded, the profile has notches. Thematerial used may be, by way of example and nonrestrictively, a metal,plastic, cellulosic material, or a woven material used alone or combinedwith other materials.

Each space element has two types of coupling portion at its ends: atleast one male cyclic profile and at least one female cyclic profile.The male cyclic profile differs from the female cyclic profile by anoffset of one interval of the notches which constitute it. To connecttwo space elements, it suffices to place the male cyclic profile in thenotches of the female cyclic profile and to introduce a pin into theinternal opening of the coupling thus constituted. The pin has agripping zone added or implemented by construction.

Each cyclic profile is fixed, by gluing or by any other fixation means,on a part of a space element or is included in the evolute of a part ofthe space element.

4. Fabrication of a Decorative Element

The decorative objects are fabricated, by way of example andnonexclusively, of pasteboard with a thickness sufficient to providesome level of rigidity while permitting their manipulation. A decorativeobject may be obtained, by way of example and nonrestrictively, startingfrom a plane surface, also called an evolute, folded so as to obtain avolume representing a decorative object on the scale of the spaceelements. Designs that define the appearance of the decorative elementare printed on the different faces of the volume. If necessary, theevolute of a decorative object is skillfully designed in order toenable, after folding, the placement of a decoration support and apossible sliding strip.

5. Fabrication of a Magnetized System for the Decorative Objects

The magnetized link (FIG. 10 Item 21) enabling positioning of adecorative object on a space element is composed, by way of example andnonrestrictively, of at least one thin permanent magnetic fixed on oneor a plurality of faces of the decorative element. The permanent magnetmay be produced in the form of a magnetized sheet having magnetic fieldsof alternating polarity, which generates a weak magnetic force to permitdisplacement of the decorative object, but sufficient to support theweight of the decorative object on a space element having magneticproperties.

6. Fabrication of a Sliding Strip

If the use of a magnetized link is not appropriate, the decorative itemwill be positioned by means of at least one sliding strip (FIG. 9 Item18) made of a transparent plastic material. The width of the strip isequal to the length of the recess skillfully made in the decorativeobject (19), such that the strip is slightly wedged in order to hold thedecorative object and prevent its falling under the action of gravity.One end of the strip is in the shape of a hook in order to hang the uniton a space element (20).

7. Fabrication of a Decoration Support

The fabrication of the decoration support varies depending on thedecorative object to which it is applied. A decoration support may, byway of example and nonrestrictively, be implemented in a strip of foldedtransparent plastic material (FIG. 11 Item 25) such that, once folded,it slides onto the forward face of a decorative element (FIG. 11 Item24).

In the illustration (FIG. 12); the decoration support (28) produced byshaping a sheet of plastic material covers a part of the facesconstituting the decorative object (27).

Advantages Obtained by the Invention

The invention enables designing and constructing arrangements within theframework of the organization of architectural spaces or fair orexhibition stalls starting with predefined space elements, with variabledimensions, combinable among themselves, on which it is possible toapply decorative objects whose decoration can be modified in a simplemanner. All these elements are reusable, a situation which reduces thecost of their production and use.

Used within the framework of constructing models for interior designprojects, the invention does away with the rigidity and the difficultyof reading drawings such as FIG. 15 which depicts a kitchen arrangementand entails several optical illusions which interfere with thecomprehension thereof, even though the perspective and the generalproportions are respected.

1. Adaptable device for delimiting and organizing an architectural spaceof the type model for study and demonstration to construct interiordesign projects, fair and exhibition stall, partitioning of office orindustrial spaces, comprising variable length space elements of reducedscale connected to each other so as to form partitionings adapted to thedimensions of the architectural space to be organized or to be depicted,and decorative objects of reduced scale representing elements servingfor decoration or organization of interiors, wherein: eachvariable-length space element comprises at least two different partswhich are flat or three-dimensional and comprise rectilinear parts,sliding one into the other, the length of each space element variescontinuously and linearly under its normal conditions of use, within thelimits of its minimum and maximum length, each space element has atleast one coupling portion, forming, with a complementary couplingportion belonging to another space element, a disassemblable couplingpermitting the intersection of a plurality of space elements articulatedaround the axis created by the coupling, at least one of the decorativeobjects, of a size proportional to the dimensions of the object that itrepresents, is positioned variably and interchangeably on a spaceelement by means of a magnetic link, an adhesive link, or a slidingsupport, this decorative object itself has an interchangeable designheld by a decoration support, and the entire device is of a dimensionsuch that it occupies at most the volume of a suitcase.
 2. Deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein atleast one of the space has a dimensionvarying continuously in a single direction, defines a plane surface or aportion of volume partially rectilinear, and is made up of at least amale part and a female part, the male part sliding into the female part,the male part abutting against the female part when the space element isin its shortest position.
 3. Device according to claim 1, wherein atleast one of the space elements accommodates a removable decorationadapted to hold a decorative object.
 4. Device according to claim 2,wherein the parts of at least one of the space elements are adjustedsuch that they retain their relative position once the length of theelement is defined between the limits of its minimum and maximumposition.
 5. Device according to claim 2, wherein one of the parts of atleast one of the space elements has a blocking system such that theparts retain their relative position once the length of the spaceelement is defined, between the limits of its minimum and maximumposition, and the blocking system is put in place.
 6. Device accordingto claim 2, wherein a part of at least one of the space elements, isgraduated and another part of a space element, has a reference which,associated with the scale on the first part, enables the direct readingof the length of the element.
 7. Device according to claim 1, comprisingan intersected coupling composed of at least two segments each made upof two portions fitting one inside the other when they are placed facingeach other by simple horizontal translation, enabling the passagebetween its segments of at least one intersecting coupling composed ofat least one segment, itself made up of two portions fitting one insidethe other, thus enabling the intersection of space elements.
 8. Deviceaccording to claim 6 according to a first embodiment, wherein a pinpasses through different portions of at least one coupling portion, saidpin with an overall circular cross-section has a gripping zone, said pinis introduced into the internal opening created by the coupling portionsafter the coupling portions are placed facing each other and groups ofspace elements remain integral with each other and pivot relative toeach other once the couplings are assembled.
 9. Device according toclaim 6 according to a second embodiment, wherein the coupling portionsof intersected and intersecting groups of space elements are connectedby insertion of the male portions into the female portions by elasticdeformation of the material of which they are made and the groups ofspace elements remain integral with each other and pivot relative toeach other once the couplings are assembled.
 10. Device according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the space elements is made from amaterial without ferromagnetic and properties and acquires aferromagnetic property by mounting, on at least one part of its surface,of a thin material adapted to the shape of the space element and havingferromagnetic properties so as to accommodate a magnetized decorativeobject.
 11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the space elements areplaced on a foldable surface, having ferromagnetic properties so as toaccommodate a magnetized decorative object.
 12. Device according toclaim 1, wherein two space elements are held in their relative positionsby a removable linking accessory, equipped with at least two links. 13.Device according to claim 12, wherein the removable linking accessory isa square.
 14. Device according to claim 1, wherein the decorativeobjects are adapted to accommodate a removable design held by adecoration support and said decorative objects are held in position on aspace element by a temporary link which is a magnetic link or a slidinglink.
 15. Device according to claim 1, wherein certain decorativeelements are obtained from an unfolded base adapted to obtain, afterfolding and assembly, rigidity sufficient to permit the manipulationefforts generated by mounting on a space element with a magnetic oradhesive link present on at least one face of the decorative element,and leaving at least one placement position on at least one edge of atleast one face capable of accommodating a decoration support.
 16. Deviceaccording to claim 1, according to an embodiment of the device usingspace elements without magnetic properties, wherein certain decorativeelements are obtained from an unfolded base adapted to obtain, afterfolding and assembly, rigidity adequate to permit the manipulationefforts generated by mounting on a sliding link, leaving at least oneplacement position on at least one edge of at least one face capable ofaccommodating a decoration support and providing at least one recess topermit the passage of said sliding link designed to position thedecoration element on a space element.
 17. Device according to claim 1,wherein a decoration support is produced in a shaped material enablingplacement and holding of an interchangeable design inserted between thedecoration support and the decorative object on which said decorationsupport is applied.